Students will engage in a hands-on exploration of museum design by reimagining how the Mona Lisa is displayed, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through creative brainstorming and collaborative discussions, they will develop innovative strategies to make art exhibits more inclusive and engaging. This project-based experience encourages students to apply their knowledge and creativity to real-world challenges, culminating in a presentation that showcases their ideas for a dynamic and interactive exhibit space.
Learning goals
Students will explore innovative exhibit design by reimagining how the Mona Lisa is displayed, focusing on inclusivity, interactivity, and accessibility. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing current museum practices and proposing creative solutions. Through collaborative brainstorming and feedback sessions, students will enhance their ability to communicate ideas effectively using visual and verbal presentations.
Standards
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.7 - Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment (e.g., Auden's "Musée des Beaux Arts" and Breughel's Landscape with the Fall of Icarus).
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.5 - Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.5 - Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide additional detail.
Competencies
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Products
Students will create a visual presentation showcasing their innovative design for exhibiting the Mona Lisa, focusing on inclusivity and engagement. They will participate in a gallery walk to present their ideas, receiving and providing constructive feedback. The final product will be a refined exhibit plan that balances preservation with interactivity, which will be shared with peers and potentially displayed in a semester exhibit.
Launch
Begin with a virtual tour of the Louvre Museum, focusing on the current display of the Mona Lisa. Discuss why museums choose specific designs and layouts, highlighting the importance of accessibility and engagement. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts on how they might reimagine the exhibit to make it more inclusive and interactive. This sets the stage for students to think critically about museum design and their upcoming project.
Exhibition
Students will participate in a gallery walk where they present their redesigned Mona Lisa exhibit concepts to their peers and teachers. Each student will create a visual display, such as a drawing or model, to accompany their presentation, highlighting their innovative strategies for inclusivity and engagement. During the gallery walk, students will receive constructive feedback from peers and teachers, which they can use to refine their ideas. This exhibition allows students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills while engaging in meaningful dialogue about art accessibility and preservation.
